2024 Presidents Report from Mr Peter White

Dear all,

As I have served the NSWPA in my capacity as President for the past 4 years it is time to stand down and make room for fresh leadership.

In this time, we have ridden some wild storms; including managing some difficult relationships developed in the Hawkesbury basin, Covid, Flood after flood after flood and a few wayward incidences both on and off the field of play.

Memberships dipped to a 320 low (Covid 2020 -21) when no polo was being played, back up to a 384 high in 2023. Weather continues to play havoc in 2024 with 11 tournaments being cancelled due to wet weather from April through May including the International V India and the Morton Cup.  With an energised Spring Calendar, let’s hope for more time on the field ahead.

It is pleasing to see the success of the more comprehensive umpiring accreditation program, leading to more improved behaviour of players and thus making the game a much better spectacle. The much-improved Disciplinary Tribunal and Incident hearing process has short circuited much of the previous antiquated system. Well done David Head and Steve Philip.

We continue to roll out more junior polo schools across regional Clubs and have now formalised a NSW Junior Championships Tournament (The White Family Trophy), to be played during the September School Holiday period every year

The conduit between New Zealand, South Island and NSW Juniors has been laid with Junior teams taking it in turns to travel and enjoy the camaraderie and competition between the two countries. A big thankyou must go out to Peter and Emma Dormer (NZ) and Anto White (Scone Polo Club) for setting up this relationship. Long may it continue. 

Women’s polo continues to grow with a structured calendar which includes a Women’s Tournament plus Women’s International scheduled around April every year. A big thankyou goes out to Peter Bennetto and Rowena Rainger for their management and organisation of Women’s Polo.

The Polo Calendar has always been a great source of frustration but at last the major Tournaments such as Dudley Cup and Hector King have found a home in The Spring. The revitalised Mudgee Club has now cemented its position in the Northern Circuit and The Gunnedah Club are now combined resources with the Quirindi Club. 

Horse welfare concerns continue to come to the Board’s attention but with better communication and selected horse welfare officers attending Tournaments in each zone, improvements are being made.

As I now join the very long list of “past players” it is my ambition to collate an up-to-date data base of contact details of all Past players, wives and partners, so that the Polo Community, at large, is better informed. Fran Gould, Linda Sheppard with assistance of Jo Anslow have been active in reaching out to gather information over the past 2 months. I urge everyone to get on Board and assist in gathering this information. The target is for at least 1000 contacts covering all three zones. With that polo network, together, we can aim to build pathways for our junior players to enter the Sport. The suggestion of a Junior Polo Development Foundation is a top priority.

All this and more could never be achieved without the help of an enthusiastic, energetic, talented and committed NSWPA Board. For your support, quality debate and energetic motivation to make Polo in NSW a better sport; I thank you.

To Jo Anslow, the Office Administrator for NSWPA, you deserve a gold medal. Well done for managing everything through the Office of NSWPA.

To the Honourable Treasurer, Mr Jeremy Bayard, your attention to financial detail and creative thinking sets the foundation for a sound financial footing. With a few Government Grants in the wings NSWPA is on a trajectory to secure solid growth into the future.

To retiring Board member Sam Hopkinson, we all owe you an enormous amount of gratitude for your continued energy in keeping the game in a positive frame. Your involvement in bringing the USPA Umpiring Initiative here to Australia should never go unnoticed. You have been the conduit between players and administration for well over 10 years. The game is a better spectacle because of you. Thankyou.

There is still much to achieve so I encourage the new Board to keep up the good work and never be afraid to stand up and make the necessary changes.

Thank you again for your support.

Regards

Peter White, Past President NSWPA   

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Thank you to NSWPA Past President Mr Peter White and NSW APF Delegate Mr Stephen Philip

Mr. David Head, following his election as the President of the New South Wales Polo Association, would like to pass on his gratitude for past President Peter White, for his dedication and efforts over the past four years. Despite facing adversities such as the impact of COVID-19 and floods that resulted in the cancellation of numerous tournaments, Peter's commitment to the sport shone through. His pivotal role in establishing a connection between the New Zealand South Island Association Juniors and NSW Polo Association Juniors has been invaluable. This collaboration allows both associations to alternate playing in Australia and New Zealand, fostering a stronger bond between players from different regions. Additionally, Peter's initiative in organizing an annual NSW Junior Championship tournament has significantly contributed to the growth and development of Junior polo within New South Wales.

David aslo extends his sincere appreciation to Stephen Philip, who has recently concluded his tenure as the esteemed President of the Australian Polo Federation and NSW APF Delegate. The NSW polo community thanks and recognizes Stephen's unwavering dedication in overseeing the sport through both prosperous and challenging periods, notably navigating the complexities presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

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Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors who have graciously backed the NSW Polo Association in 2024. Their generous support has played a crucial role in enabling us to advance the sport of polo within our community. The contributions provided by these sponsors have been truly priceless, making a significant impact on our organization and helping us promote and grow polo in our region.

ORD MINNETT

Ord Minnett is an Australian-owned wealth and investment services firm. Who offer financial advice and investment management for individuals, families, businesses and organisations, enabling them to protect and grow their wealth.

While thier corporate origins date back to 1872, the Ord Minnett name was established in 1951 by Charles Ord and Jack Minnett after meeting in the Australian Imperial Force in the Second World War. The pioneering spirit of our namesakes lives on today. Now with $62.6 billion in Funds Under Advice, we continue to hone our craft, navigate the unexpected and redefine the investment experience for our clients.

As no two clients’ journeys are the same, they believe that getting to know you as an individual is key and will always tailor solutions specifically to your unique needs. Our in-house research teams provide access to high quality insights and offers such as pre-market or wholesale investment opportunities.

Every one of us at Ords is dedicated to forging relationships that last. Our word is our bond and it is our duty and privilege to put our clients’ interests first, always.

It’s why they’ve been building wealth for generations.

The Classic Safari Company 

is Australia’s leading bespoke travel and African safari company. Since 1992 we’ve been designing bespoke travel itineraries to some of the world’s finest wildlife and wilderness regions embracing the exotic, the rare and the curious. They also specialise in riding safaris and adventures with a special focus on Kenya, Botswana, Argentina & Spain. 

here is no better way to experience Argentina by combining the Patagonian wilderness on horseback with bustling Buenos Aires during the Polo Open festivities. 
Contact Julie McIntosh – 0412 297 678 or 02 9327 0666 or classicsafaricompany.com.au

Giddiup

Giddiup - Building and Fencing Design
Established in 1999 by fine furniture maker, sculptor and keen horseman Hugh Parry-Okeden, Giddiup has grown from a small post and rail fencing business into a large building company. Significantly, Hugh remains involved in every level of the business and ensures that he personally directs each project. Over 20 years he's worked with a range of high- profile clients, including Olympic equestrian riders, to develop many of NSW’s premier equine properties, luxury rural developments and popular commercial venues. This includes William Inglis Riverside Stables Complex , Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Sydney Polo Club, Arunga Polo Club, Simeon Stud and The Grounds Cafe in Alexandria.

Contact Hugh -  0410 456 090  info@giddiup.com.au  or Giddiup.com.au

Country Polo

Run by Jorge Scanzi, Country Polo travels to South East Asia to source cane and  they import their Saddlery and Tack from Argentina. Thier products are used worldwide by some of the very best and most recognized players in Australia and the world and are always interested in quality outlets to sell our excellent products. 

Call Jorge to discuss your needs. Phone  0407037385 or view their website Country Polo Australia – CountryPolo Australia

Just Horsen About 

Ray and Jodi started Justhorsenabout in 2009 and now offer polo livery services in two locations for special clientele. The polo barn is located at the prestigious Killarney Polo Club in the Richmond lowlands along with our well known beautiful property located in the Putty, N.S.W. Justhorsenabout is not only a business to us, but a lifestyle. Not only does justhorsenabout offer livery, we also provide a wide range of polo services. This includes training young polo ponies, leasing horses for all grades of polo, pony sales, and Rays professional services as a player. 

Ray, currently rated with a 1 goal handicap, has over 30 years experience with horses and has been playing polo since the age of 16. He was fortunate enough to represent Australia on the international circuit over the years and now enjoys playing the sport every weekend across the many clubs in N.S.W. Those of you that know him he is often called "All Day Ray" as he is on site and available 7 days a week.

The Royal Richmond Hotel 

The Royal Richmond Hotel is a celebration of Richmond’s incredible history and fortunate location both on the outskirts of Sydney, less than an hour from the CBD, and at the centre of the flourishing Hawkesbury food bowl, surrounded by some of the country’s best producers, growers, craft distillers, winemakers and brewers.

A locals favourite for more than 170 years, the iconic The Royal Richmond Hotel is keeping its much-loved heritage feel, while adding exciting new features and spaces for locals and visitors to the beautiful New South Wales town of Richmond to enjoy, day and night.

K.O. Angus

K.O. Angus Stud in Kangaloon consists of 1000 acres of undulating country ranging from 725 to 750 metres altitude. Our average rainfall is 900mm. Our winters are severe with about 90 days of frost. Pasture growth is very limited from Mid April until the end of August.

Run by Angus Onisforou, he constantly informed by clients that thier cattle “explode with growth” when they leave K.O. Angus. He believe's this is because of the high rainfall here and the consequent high water content in thier grasses. People seldom realise that they have little or no pasture growth for five months of the year and that our cattle are NOT pampered and will generally do better when they leave KO Angus Stud. Their cattle are supplementary fed hay and silage for about five months of the year, throughout the winter period.

To view more about their upcoming sales please click HERE to view their website

Ainsley Saddlery 

Ainsley Saddlery  is a forward thinking family run saddlery focused on quality and innovation.

They strive to compete, train and improve at the horses at the highest level across the world, Founder Ross Ainsley reinvented and innovated an entire line of polo gear now adopted by the best players in the world.  Ross has extensive experience in the sport from playing professionally, managing high goal teams throughout the world to breeding, training and sourcing exceptional polo ponies for high goal teams.

Ainsley Saddlery is unique in the polo world: no other accomplished polo horseman has combined in-depth knowledge of horse physiology, polo riding mechanics and saddle making. Innovating polo equipment is a continuous quest, specifically to enhance communication as well as comfort and control between the rider and horse.

Ainsley Saddlery’s goal is simple: Improve performance in every aspect of horsemanship and polo.

SABA

Founded by Joe Saba in 1965, SABA is a brand that improves the way we work and empowers the way we live. Every SABA garment is created with a clear vision; professional without being corporate, timeless without being out of touch, minimalistic but never boring.

They offer modern men’s and womenswear collections alongside a core of elevated essentials. Each new season, they introduce beautifully refined pieces that transcend trend, and endure style shifts.

SABA has remained contemporary for over 50 years through a relentless commitment to progress. They have laid out some bold sustainability strategies for the next few years, including increased transparency in our supply chains, setting reduction pathways for carbon emissions, and transitioning to 100% recyclable or reusable packaging. 

Sportscraft 

Sportscraft, founded in 1914, is one of Australia's most trusted fashion and lifestyle brands renowned for outstanding quality and consistent fit. Today, Sportscraft provides inspiration to the Australian man and woman with a range of clothing and accessories that epitomise authentic Australian style, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that Sportscraft has built its reputation on.

If you would like to become a sponsor for 2025 please contact the office on

0409 764 607 or nsw@australianpolo.com.au

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Have a safe and happy Holiday Season 

Lastly, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the New South Wales Polo Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, players, and friends of polo. As we approach the holiday season, we wish you all a joyous and safe celebration filled with happiness. We look forward to reconnecting with all of you in 2025 for another unforgettable season of polo.